Read Victoria Aveyard Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 5, 2026

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Victoria Aveyard is a name that has become synonymous with gripping dystopian fantasy, complex characters, and a richly crafted world filled with betrayal, revolution, and heart-pounding twists. Known for her best-selling Red Queen series, Aveyard has built a dedicated fan base with her vivid storytelling and layered narrative structures. Her books capture the imagination of readers through their exploration of power, privilege, and the struggle for equality. But for those venturing into her universe for the first time, the question inevitably arises: Should I read Victoria Aveyard’s books in order? And if so, how does her series flow? In this deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at Aveyard’s works, break down the recommended reading order, and explore the intricate world she’s built – ultimately helping you decide how best to experience the series.

List Of Victoria Aveyard Books In Order

More On Victoria Aveyard Books In Chronological Order

1. Red Queen (2015)

This is where everything kicks off! ’Red Queen’ introduces us to a divided world where the powerful, silver-blooded elite have superhuman abilities, while the ’Red’ commoners are powerless. Enter Mare Barrow, a Red girl who unexpectedly discovers she has powers of her own. Thrust into a dangerous political game, Mare becomes a pawn in a brutal war between the Silvers and the Reds. The book has all the twists, betrayals, and shocking moments you could want, making it the perfect start to this electrifying series.

2. Glass Sword (2016)

After the shocking events of ’Red Queen’, Mare is on the run. In ’Glass Sword’, she’s trying to assemble a team of powerful, ’newbloods’ (Reds with abilities like the Silvers) to fight back against the oppressive Silver regime. It’s a high-stakes, fast-paced follow-up where loyalty is tested and the stakes are even higher. If you loved the tension and complex characters in the first book, you’ll be totally hooked on this one!

3. King’s Cage (2017)

In ’King’s Cage’, Mare has been captured and is now imprisoned in the heart of the enemy’s kingdom. Her mind is a mess, the weight of her decisions and failures weighing her down. Meanwhile, her friends are struggling to hold the rebellion together. Aveyard turns up the intensity here, exploring deeper themes of power, control, and sacrifice while throwing in twists you won’t see coming. If you thought you had the plot figured out, prepare for more shocks!

4. War Storm (2018)

It’s the epic conclusion to the ’Red Queen’ series, and boy, does it deliver! The rebellion is in full force, and all the players are moving towards an explosive endgame. In ’War Storm’, alliances are forged, battles are fought, and everything that’s been built up so far is about to come crashing down. Aveyard ties everything together with shocking revelations, heart-wrenching choices, and, of course, a giant showdown. Fans of the series are in for a ride they won’t forget.

5. Broken Throne (2019)

This isn’t technically another novel, but it’s a must-read for any die-hard fan of the series. ’Broken Throne’ is a collection of novellas and short stories that expands on the ’Red Queen’ world. You get more background on fan-favorite characters, additional twists, and glimpses into the aftermath of the events in ’War Storm’. Plus, it’s a good excuse to dive back into the world Aveyard created with a fresh perspective.

6. Red Queen: Broken Throne (2019)

Another chance to get even more behind-the-scenes action! This is a collection of extra short stories set in the world of the ’Red Queen’. You get to know even more about the characters’ pasts and futures, and it’s the perfect way to revisit the series before moving on to Aveyard’s other works.

7. Realm Breaker (2021)

Aveyard’s first book in a completely new universe. ’Realm Breaker’ introduces a fresh set of characters and a world where magic, danger, and dark forces are at play. This time, we follow a group of unlikely heroes who must come together to prevent an apocalyptic event. It’s a blend of epic fantasy with Aveyard’s trademark character drama. For fans of ’Red Queen’, you’ll recognize her knack for high stakes and complex political intrigue, but this is a whole new adventure.

8. The Last Widow (2022)

In ’The Last Widow’, Aveyard keeps the action going, introducing us to even bigger and badder threats. It’s still in the same vein as ’Realm Breaker’, but with even more world-building, character dynamics, and epic battles. This is a series that’s definitely growing in scale, and ’The Last Widow’ takes the stakes to an entirely new level.

Background On Victoria Aveyard Books

Victoria Aveyard’s debut novel, Red Queen, was released in 2015 and quickly became a phenomenon in the young adult fantasy genre. The book introduces readers to the world of Norta, a kingdom divided by blood: the Silver-blooded elite possess powerful abilities, while the Red-blooded commoners are powerless and oppressed. The story centers on Mare Barrow, a Red who, despite her lack of abilities, discovers she has a unique power of her own – one that could change the course of the kingdom’s fate.

Following Red Queen, Aveyard expanded this universe with several sequels, novellas, and spinoffs, each adding layers to the original story and providing different perspectives on the conflict. Her works often explore themes of rebellion, social injustice, and personal transformation, all set against a backdrop of political intrigue and warfare. What’s particularly engaging about her writing is the way she weaves complex moral dilemmas, making her characters’ decisions feel both relatable and consequential.

The Red Queen series spans four primary novels, plus novellas that offer additional backstories to key characters and side plots that deepen the main story. After the initial success of the series, Aveyard expanded her universe further with a series of prequel novellas and a spinoff duology, taking readers beyond the borders of Norta into new territories and introducing new conflicts.

Key Books In The Series

• Red Queen (2015)
• Glass Sword (2016)
• King’s Cage (2017)
• War Storm (2018)

Beyond these, there are several novellas and a prequel that offer additional context, filling in gaps and expanding the world of Red Queen.

Reading Order Explained

For those new to Aveyard’s works, there’s a specific reading order that ensures an immersive experience without confusing plot developments or spoilers. While some readers might opt to jump into the main series right away, it’s best to follow a structured approach to get the full experience. Here’s the recommended reading order:

1. Red Queen (2015)

   Start with Red Queen, as it introduces the world, the system of powers, and the protagonist, Mare Barrow. The stakes are established early on, setting the stage for the power struggle between the Silver and Red bloods. This book is the foundation of the series, and you’ll need it to understand everything that comes next.

2. Glass Sword (2016)

   The second book in the series, Glass Sword, picks up where Red Queen left off, following Mare’s journey as she grapples with the implications of her newfound powers. The story escalates from here, with Mare attempting to form a rebellion against the Silver elites, all while being hunted by the regime. This novel introduces new characters and powers, deepening the stakes.

3. King’s Cage (2017)

   King’s Cage dives deeper into the political landscape of Norta, focusing on the battle between Mare and the Silver royal family. This book is slower-paced but filled with psychological and emotional tension, as characters are tested both physically and morally. Mare’s internal conflict takes center stage, and readers witness her struggles to maintain control over her destiny.

4. War Storm (2018)

   The final book of the Red Queen series, War Storm, brings all the threads together in an epic conclusion. The rebellion is in full swing, alliances are tested, and the fate of Norta and its people rests on a razor’s edge. The conclusion is both satisfying and bittersweet, providing closure to the long-running conflicts that have defined the series.

Novellas (Optional, But Recommended)

• Queen Song (2016)

  This novella tells the backstory of Queen Coriane, the mother of Cal, one of the main characters in the series. It provides insight into the politics and intrigue of the Silver elite.

• Steel Scars (2016)

  Steel Scars follows Captain Farley, one of Mare’s allies. The novella is set during the events of Red Queen and Glass Sword and delves into the formation of the Scarlet Guard.

• Before She Ignites (2017)

  This novella provides a glimpse into the rebellion and the history of Mare’s world. It also includes key details about the powers at play and how the different bloodlines interact.

These novellas are not essential to the main plot but offer extra depth for fans looking to explore the world in more detail. You can read them after the primary novels or intersperse them as you go, depending on your preference.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the things that stands out about Aveyard’s writing is the sheer complexity of her characters. Mare Barrow, for example, starts off as a typical hero fighting against the system, but as the series progresses, she becomes more morally ambiguous and self-aware. Her internal struggles are relatable, and her growth throughout the series is both compelling and heartbreaking.

The world-building is another aspect of the series that I thoroughly enjoy. Aveyard has created a universe where blood color determines not only societal status but also the type of powers a person can possess. The political structures, social hierarchies, and divisions between the Silver and Red bloods feel real and dynamic, offering readers a deep dive into themes of class warfare, privilege, and inequality. This adds a layer of socio-political commentary that elevates the story beyond just a simple fantasy narrative.

Additionally, the romance in the Red Queen series is masterfully woven into the broader plot. It’s not the focal point, but it adds emotional depth to the characters’ motivations. The love triangle between Mare, Cal, and Maven creates tension and keeps readers on edge, especially as Mare’s feelings evolve and change over the course of the series.

Lastly, Aveyard’s pacing and plot twists are some of the best in modern young adult fiction. There are moments where readers think they have the story figured out, only for everything to shift unexpectedly. This keeps the reader engaged and ensures that the narrative never grows stagnant or predictable.

Should You Read Victoria Aveyard Books In Order?

Absolutely. Reading Victoria Aveyard’s books in order is crucial for fully appreciating the development of the plot and characters. Each book builds upon the last, and Aveyard carefully develops the world and its complex political dynamics with every installment. Skipping books or reading them out of order could lead to confusion, especially with character arcs and pivotal plot points.

The books also maintain a high level of continuity. Each installment reveals new layers about the characters, their motivations, and their ultimate fates. If you start from the beginning, you’ll witness the transformation of Mare Barrow and the political landscape of Norta unfold in a way that feels organic and coherent. The novellas are a great supplement but are not required for understanding the core plot.